Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool - Five things we learned: David De Gea proves his worth and Ryan Giggs looks like a manager
* Liverpool knocked Manchester United out of the Europa League
* The game finished 1-1 but the visitors went through 3-1 on aggregate
* Anthony Martial gave United the lead but Phillippe Coutinho levelled
* David De Gea impressed and Ryan Giggs looks every inch the manager
For two side boasting strong Irish heritage it was fitting that Manchester United and Liverpool clashed on St Patrick's day, but that is where the festivities ended.
Two down from the first leg United had it all to do, and gave themselves hope when Anthony Martial fired in from the penalty spot, but Phillippe Coutinho levelled with a superb run and finish to send Louis van Gaal's side out of Europa League. Sportsmail's Dominic King looks at five things he learned from Old Trafford...
Super Dave
How Real Madrid must curse that faulty fax machine and how Manchester United must thank their stars every day for football’s highest profile electronic malfunction.
Once again, even though his efforts were in vain, David De Gea showed his immense value to Louis Van Gaal’s team. His 28th minute save from Philippe Coutinho, plunging to his left to keep out a fierce drive, was stunning, right up there with the best he produced at Anfield.
Some questioned whether any blame could be attached to De Gea for Coutinho’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time but that was exceptionally harsh, given that this tie would have been dead and buried had it not been for his performance seven days earlier.
This has been a campaign without joy for United, a season when none of the outfield players have covered themselves in glory, but De Gea has stood out like a beacon. The United club Player of the Year award must be foregone conclusion. Only Manuel Neuer is better than him in the world.
David De Gea once again showed his importance to Manchester United with a string of important saves
Manager waiting in the wings
With Van Gaal, as is customary, sitting with his clipboard on his knee, there was a revealing action in the 23rd minute.
With Manchester United running down blind alleys, Ryan Giggs vaulted over the wall at the back of his team’s dugout and skipped down to the technical area, immediately telling Guillermo Varela to push forward and urging Jesse Lingaard to pin James Milner back.
He stayed there for a few minutes, point, bellowing, patrolling. There were similar episodes in the second half, in the hope that he could have some sort of effect on his team, who never threatened to build up a head of steam.
Giggs, simply, looked every inch a manager in the making and having now served his apprenticeship for two years, he must be itching to gets his ideas across but Jose Mourinho’s expected arrival this summer poses two significant questions. When – and where – will he get his chance?
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs was animated on the sideline as he barked out instructions
Jurgen Knows
Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s Chief Executive, said on Monday when talking about Jurgen Klopp that “he got it” in terms of what things mean to Liverpool fans.
‘He is outstanding to work with,’ said Ayre. ‘He is infectious and he has had an effect on this football club, the supporter base, the city everything and historically the most successful managers at Liverpool have cracked that nut. He has not been here long but he is showing brilliant signs.
‘Talk about me being from Liverpool and what does that mean for the role I think the most important thing is to have a connection not just with the fans but the whole thing and Jurgen has got that very quickly.’
The latest examples of this were the fact he was the first man into the tunnel before kick-off and stood on the touchline throughout. He recognised the importance of making his presence felt on such a big night.
Emre proves his worth
One of Klopp’s pet hates is talking up his players in the media. He was asked on Wednesday for an appraisal of Emre Can by a German broadcaster and his reluctance to do so was inescapable. If Can keeps playing this way, though, he will have no option but to break his rule. Can was excellent here, using the ball sensibly and tackling powerfully. To think he finished last season playing at right-back.
Mr Versatile deputises again
James Milner’s inclusion as a makeshift left-back came due to Alberto Moreno picking up an injury in training on Wednesday. In normal circumstances, Jon Flanagan would have stepped into the breach but he was omitted from Liverpool’s European squad on grounds of fitness. It is no reflection of his ability, as Liverpool have offered him a new three-year deal.
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